A backstage video with unexpected star power has put a Dorset venue in the social media spotlight.
A clip filmed by technician Leah Fry at Lighthouse Poole showing a screw being placed on a plinth went viral on TikTok after being shared by music megastar Ed Sheeran, reaching more than 2.8 million views.
Ms Fry said: "It was just something silly I made at work one day, so to see it reach that far was a bit of a shock.
"However, it did set me thinking – what would happen if I shared some of the things we do at work?"
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The viral moment led to the creation of Lighthouse TekTok, a behind-the-scenes TikTok account run by Ms Fry and Senior Technician (Lighting) Sam Coombs.
The account, filled with glimpses of technical theatre life, has gained 264 followers and 208,000 views so far.
Mr Coombs said: "It’s how you reach people today.
"If you want to engage young people about what goes on in technical theatre, then this is where you’ll find them.
"We’re not trying to be educational as such, but we make sure we give the right information, show how things are done properly and ask the companies if we can make videos and share them."
Videos posted on the account include time-lapse footage of show setups, lighting changes, fly tower tours, and behind-the-scenes moments during pantomimes, all filmed with permission from the production companies.
The pair hope the account will continue to grow and inspire interest in the lesser-seen side of theatre.
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